Thousands gather for 'Be the Dream' celebration

Organizers say be the dream is not just about a day honoring Dr. King; they say they want "Be the Dream" to be a year-round commitment for people.

Participants at the celebration were asked to honor Dr. King by going out in the community and getting involved in community clean-up projects and other activities aimed at making Memphis better.

(WMC-TV) - Thousands gathered Monday to honor a civil rights leader and his dream of equality at Mason Temple, which is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his last speech.

It was all part of Mayor A C Wharton's first "Be the Dream" celebration.

"This holy day is not a day off from our collective responsibilities but rather a day on for community service," said Temple Israel Rabbi Micah Greenstein.

Participants at the celebration were asked to honor Dr. King by going out in the community and getting involved in community clean-up projects and other activities aimed at making Memphis better.

"I think its important, so we can make sure the dream does stay alive from Dr. King 'cause I think that's what he wants for all Memphis," said Overton High School sophomore Mauraceo Hunter.

For students who were not even born when Dr. King marched and died in Memphis, giving back is their way of moving Dr.. King's dream of equality forward.

"Its extremely important because to do something on this important day and for us to be here is just exciting," said Cordova High School senior Jamayca Harris.

Organizers say be the dream is not just about a day honoring Dr. King; they say they want "Be the Dream" to be a year-round commitment for people.

"So being the dream is the thing and the anthem we've used, which means people taking on the work themselves looking at the man in the mirror and seeking to make a change through personal actions," said Mayor A C Wharton's chief of staff Bobby White.

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